Vendee Globe 2012-2013- Virbac Paprec 3 first entry

Vendée Globe - Jean-Pierre Dick has become the very first person to sign up for the 2012-2013 Vendée Globe. Aboard his Virbac-Paprec 3, he will be aiming for the Holy Grail of sailing. The announcement was made today, Friday 11th February off Tasmania, as he led the way in the Barcelona World Race, as part of a double-handed crew with Loïck Peyron.

'The Vendée Globe means a lot to me. It’s a part of my life. I decided to change my life to take part in this race. After taking part twice, I have got used to it and now I want to win it.' Without any hesitation, the skipper of Virbac-Paprec 3 has clearly stated his intentions: Jean-Pierre Dick will be lining up at the start of the next solo round the world race to win and it is almost certainly his last attempt in this event.

He explained without any false modesty: 'Since 2002 with my team and partners, we have spent a lot of time and effort on trying to win this Holy Grail of racing. Obviously, the next race is going to be important, as it is likely to be my last attempt. So, that is why I’m trying to get everything on my side to reach my goal.'

Third attemptThe least you can say is that when Jean-Pierre wants something, he gives it his all in terms of preparation. One of the major names of double-handed IMOCA racing – after winning the Transat Jacques Vabre twice and the first edition of the Barcelona World Race… he is currently way out in front in the second edition. The sailor from Nice has tried to get everything going for him with his latest VPLP-Verdier design built in New Zealand.

Sixth in the 2004-2005 Vendée Globe, but not so lucky in the last edition, as he was forced to retire after damage to his rudder, it is in sailing solo that J.P. wants to succeed. It is even largely to achive this lofty ambition that he is back again this year in the Barcelona. Today, as he sailed off Tasmania, he repeated: 'The Barcelona World Race is an excellent way to prepare for the Vendée Globe. You won’t find those, who are not taking part in the southern ocean two years before the race.' Need we say more?